Appalachia Meets World

Appalachia Meets World Episode 142 - March Madness: An Appalachian Throwback

It's March, so that means one thing - no, it's not the start of spring - no, it's not daylight savings time (spring forward) - it's getting into "March Madness."  In light of the upcoming tournament we are just having a throwback episode this week - with an Appalachian born coaching phenom that came from the mountains and has been on the career college coaching path for a while now.  Take a listen as Will and Neil take us back a bit to one of their earliest episodes - and the impact athletics can have on a small town.  Also, you might hear about Neil's "decision" and what is in store for him - we'll definitely need an update next week!  And the guy's talk Reed Sheppard - check it out and find out who they believe Reed gives his abilities from!  Wherever we roam, we'll be "Always Appalachian" - Y'all!  
Reed Sheppard: https://theathletic.com/5305993/2024/02/29/reed-sheppard-kentucky-basketball/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 141 - "Coming Home to Appalachia" for the SEKYAAMCC with Emily Hudson

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Emily Hudson the Executive Director and Founder of the Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center (SEKYAAMCC).  Born and raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Emily explains what led her away and what eventually brought her back to the place she has always called "home."  In light of Black History Month, the SEKYAAMCC is a place that celebrates black history in Appalachia every month (not just one month a year), but more importantly provides a platform to tell the stories of Appalachia that were often overlooked or just unheard.  Take a listen as she describes moving for opportunity, finding her identity and why she is so passionate about preserving the past and educating about local history.  You might even hear the guys thoughts on the NBA Slam-Dunk Competition - or can we now call it the Appalachian Championship?  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: D.A.A.D. Distilling!  
Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center - www.sekyaamc.org
"Issues and Answers" with Emily Hudson - www.wymt.com/2024/01/16/issues-answers-emily-jones-hudson/
"Soul Miner" by Emily Hudson - www.amazon.com/Soul-Miner-Emily-Jones-Hudson/dp/154561301X 
AppNews:
Mac McClung - 
"Appalachian Voices" (article) - https://wvdn.com/134245/?fbclid=IwAR1gS_Ejh10jYAEp-11TixgbWL5g1xU6laFItyM55UhSShK0j7K_iASKDMA 
Greenbrier Vally Theatre - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35773/production/1188664 
Brookings Institute - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/black-wealth-is-increasing-but-so-is-the-racial-wealth-gap/ 
New Center Marshall University - https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/african-american-economicdevelopment-at-marshall-university/ 
#AppBiz:
D.A.A.D. Distilling Article - https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2023/09/25/daad-distilling-company 
D.A.A.D. Distilling Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/DAADdistillingCoLLC 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 140 - For Young People, By Young People in (Generation) West Virginia with Alex Weld

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Alex Weld, the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia - a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn't easy, it's easier if they navigate the hurdles together.  Having several initiatives as a focus, the main goal is to retain and attract young people to the Mountain State.  Hear Alex describe those initiatives and how the organization is working to build young capacity and provide opportunities where there once may not have been.  You'll hear her passion for the "Country Roads", what kept her there and how she thinks about workforce development.  Take a listen while she explains the idea behind the organization and it's plans for the future...of the organization and the State.  You might even hear Neil's (and Will's) thoughts on Valentine's Day and a theory about why "his" team fell in the SB.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Blue Ridge Bee Company; and Appalachian Furnishings!
Generation West Virginia - www.generationwv.org 
AppNews:
The Fall of App Harvest: Inside Appalachia - https://wvpublic.org/the-fall-of-appharvest-inside-appalachia/ 
Outdoor Rec in Appalachia - https://reason.com/2024/02/10/will-outdoor-recreation-save-appalachia/ 
West Virginia Governer's School of Entrepreneurship - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/school-of-entrepreneurship/ 
West Virginia Entrepreneurship Conference - https://www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/ 
#AppBiz(s):
Blue Ridge Bee Company - www.blueridgebeecompany.com 
Appalachian Furnishings - www.appalachianfurnishings.com 
Extra:
Later Gator - www.lateralligator.net 
Wellsburg, WV 
 
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 139 - International Economic Development (in Appalachia) with Nathan Ohle

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with an expert in international connection and well-being, Nathan Ohle, the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  He gives his thoughts on the impacts of economic development in general, but also describes what it means to be an economic developer.  He also goes a little deeper on the newly formed Economic Recovery Corps and the transformational impact it could have across the country.  Take a listen as he explains the paradigm shift that has occurred in this field of work.  You might even hear Neil's pick on the Super Bowl and why appreciates Michigan State fans (and other fans), as long as they are true fans.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists!
International Economic Development Council - www.iedconline.org
Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org 
AppNews:
Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights -  https://bartertheatre.com/appalachian-festival-of-plays-and-playwrights/ 
ARC Entrepreneurial Office Hours - February 14th
West Virginia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Conference - www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/ 
#AppBiz(s):
SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists - https://soar-ky.org/startup-appalachia-pitch-competition-finalists/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 138 - "The Appalachian Way" with Amanda Jo Slone

In this episode, Will, sans Neil, sits down with Dr. Amanda Jo Slone to discuss her new passion project: The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership.  The project combines her two loves, Leadership and Appalachia.  Find out how she thinks about Appalachian Identity and if that is an asset in the development of leaders.  Born and raised in the hollers of Pike County, you'll hear her passion for the region and why she chooses to live a good distance from where she works.  Take a listen to find out more about her project and the potential impact it could have on not only individuals in Appalachia but in other regions as well.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: True Pigments!
Amanda Jo Slone (UPIKE) -  www.upike.edu/employees/slone-amanda/
The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership - https://sites.google.com/view/theappalachianway/home 
App News:
ARC POWER Grant - www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/ 
Opportunity Appalachia - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia/ 
The Nature Conservancy (Grant) - www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/tnc-pa-rkmellon-freshwater-grant/ 
#AppBiz:
True Pigments - www.truepigments.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 137 - Taking a Break With a Legendary Appalachian - Phil!

In this episode the guys are taking a break...but, not before they take a moment to talk about the legendary Appalachian himself - "Phil!"  Take a listen to find out a little more about Phil and all that revolves around him...but don't get mesmerized by the music and hope that it doesn't play on a loop day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day.....Happy Candlemas!  
www.groundhog.org 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 136 - An Appalachian Memoir and Voice for Healing with Brandi Cox

In this episode an Appalachian native shares her life journey of strength after trauma.  Brandi Cox's recently released memoir, "In Better Hands  An Appalachian Memoir of Healing and Grace," follows a story of sorrow, growth and understanding ultimately finding peace after abandonment, adoption and grief.  Hear from Brandi as she describes how Appalachia has shaped her into the person she is today, and how the resiliency she learned growing up has carried her throughout her life.  Take a listen to hear her explain what she hopes others can gain from reading her memoir and how she broke through generational curses to live her best life.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week - Watauga Butchery!  
Brandi Cox - www.brandicoxauthor.com
App News:
ARC Ready Local Governments - www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/ 
ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/ 
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/ 
Opportunity Appalachia - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia/ 
Opportunity Appalachia Launch Webinar (Information) - www.arc.gov/event/opportunity-appalachia-2024-launch-webinar/ 
#AppBiz:
Watauga Butchery - www.wataugabutchery.com/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 135 - It’s a New Year in Appalachia: Welcome to 2024!

It's 2024 Appalachia!  In this episode Neil and Will celebrate the beginning of the new year with their favorite episode from 2023!  They also welcome a surprise guest to help them bring in the new year - a guest that won't let Neil get a word in otherwise.  Take a listen to find out who the special guest is and what episode was the guys favorite in 2023!  Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2024 Appalachia!  Wherever you may roam, remember to be "Always Appalachian!"